Monday, August 27, 2012

Shortwave America is proud to announce that several NEW shows are coming and are in the writing / production process as this announcement is being released. These new shows will be in several categories, and will bring you interviews with some of the world's top headliners.

The new show categories coming up in series, but not necessarily in order will be: Christian Contemporary Music Radio Hits, 80s Pop & Contemporary Radio Hits, Amateur Radio Legends & Icons, and finally...Shortwave Radio with a focus on the popular programs of the past and legendary icons of the shortwave business.

Some of the names Shortwave America is working to bring you in these new shows are: Twila Paris, Bruce Carroll, Steven Curtis Chapman, Richard Marx, Olivia Newton-John, Deborah "Debbie" Gibson, Hap Holly, Ted Randall, and lots more! A VERY special show outside these categories is in production as well! The next upcoming show will salute the ladies of radio. The very FIRST Shortwave America Halloween and Thanksgiving shows will be fun offerings for all ages and people from all walks of life.

Just prior to the Salute To The Women of Radio, Shortwave America will ask "What Would YOU DO?" as we look at the inspiration, logistics, and impact of this popular ABC Television series with John Quinones. Will John join us on this show? You'll have to wait to find out! This special edition of Shortwave America will eventually turn to the communications topic to present various communications related scenarios and ask "What Would YOU Do?"

Anthony "Tony" Ray, known as the Voice of Joliet, passed away on Friday, August 24th, 2012. A graduate of Joliet Junior College and the Devry Institute of Technology, Tony worked in radio since he was 15 years old with his early focus on sports reporting and hosted a gospel show on WJRC.

At the time of his passing, Tony was the current President of the Forest Park Community Center. Tony was only 53 when his golden, comforting voice went silent for the final time. Tony spent twenty years at WJOL and rose to become Program Director and Operations Manager. Tony became known as the Voice of Joliet during the decade of 1988 to 1998 when he hosted the Morning Show.

"Tony spent three years at the Chicagoland Gospel Radio Network as operations manager for the company's three Gospel stations and hosted the afternoon gospel show on "Power-106". He has been the host of many programs and has performed at many events throughout the Joliet and Chicagoland area. Tony was once employed by the Will County State's Attorney's office as Victim's Advocate working primarily with victims of domestic violence".

During his life, Tony was an accomplished vocalist, song writer, and producer. This part of his life led him to become the Minister of Music at All Nations Church of God in Christ, and Shiloh Baptist Church. Following his love of music and being true to his character, Tony became an Adjunct Faculty Member at Lewis University, Music Director at the Black Student Union Gospel Choir, and Director of the Joliet Central High School New Era Choir.

According to Scott Slocumb, Tony had just finished a performance at his church when he suddenly lost consciousness and died at the hospital a short time later. No official cause of death is available at this time, although natural causes are the only suspect.

Those in the Joliet city limits and larger Will County area remember Tony Ray as a dynamic, passionate, hard working, talented, fun, compassionate man. When Tony was on the air or at church, whether he was advocating for victims and survivors of violence, or he was just living his life...he gave it his heart and soul without any holding back.

Proof of this comes not just in the testimonials of his life from the community, but also from a WJOL recording aired on August 27th, 2012 in which Tony sang "God Bless The USA". This recording of Tony performing had this reporter in awe, as I witnessed him give the original artist of this song a run for his money.

Greg from the American Legion Band tearfully remembered Tony Ray live on WJOL as someone who was very special.

Special thanks to Scott Slocumb at WJOL for providing information to assist in this salute to a wonderful person.